Philly – With great sadness, the Philadelphia Wings announced that former Wings coach and player Chris Sanderson passed away today at age 38.

Sanderson, who played two seasons for the Wings and served as an assistant coach from 2005 to 2011, passed away after a three-and-a-half year battle with brain cancer. He leaves behind his wife Brogann and daughters Stevie and Clementine.

“This is a very sad day for all Wings fans, Wings players, coaches, management and ownership,” said Wings Co-Owner and President Michael French. “Chris’ leadership, spirit and sense of humor were just some of his wonderful traits he possessed. As a fellow Canadian I am eternally grateful for all he did for our national team and our sport. On behalf of the Wings we pass on our deepest condolences to Brogan and Chris’ two beautiful daughter and all of his extended family. May he rest in peace.”

Sanderson played goaltender for the Wings from 2001 – 2002 and was also a member of the Baltimore Thunder and New Jersey Storm during his five-year NLL Career. During his two seasons with the Wings, he played in 12 games, and was a member of the 2001 NLL Championship team. He was also a member of the University of Virginia’s 1997 ACC Championship squad and played in the NCAA tournament in each of his four collegiate seasons.

Additionally, Sanderson was the starting goaltender for the gold medal winning Canadian National field lacrosse team at the World Championships in 2006 and was selected as the All-World goaltender. He also earned silver at the ’98, ’02 and ’10 championships and was also selected as the All-World goalie at the 1998 games in Baltimore.